Tree and plant watering systems

ABSTRACT

A tree and plant watering system relating to improved transfer of water to trees and plants (both new and existing) is provided. The system comprises soil penetrators, soil anchors, and area extenders to enhance water capacity and to provide ease of water transfer to root systems. Additionally, the system provides plant growth ladders to assist upward plant growth and root apertures to assist root growth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and is related toand claims priority from, application Ser. No. 14/105,008, filed Dec.12, 2013, entitled “TREE AND PLANT WATERING SYSTEMS”, which priorapplication is related to and claims priority from prior provisionalapplication Ser. No. 61/736,356, filed Dec. 12, 2012, entitled “WATERROUNDS SYSTEMS”; and, which prior application is related to and claimspriority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/753,189, filedJan. 16, 2013, entitled “TREE AND PLANT WATERING SYSTEMS”, and whichprior application is a continuation-in-part of, and is related to andclaims priority from, application Ser. No. 13/043,399, filed Mar. 8,2011, entitled “TREE AND PLANT WATERING SYSTEMS”, which is related toand claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No.61/365,838, filed Jul. 20, 2010, entitled “TREE AND PLANT WATERINGSYSTEMS”; and, which is related to and claims priority from priorprovisional application Ser. No. 61/394,230, filed Oct. 18, 2010,entitled “TREE AND PLANT WATERING SYSTEMS”; and, which is acontinuation-in-part of, and is related to and claims priority from,application Ser. No. 12/053,175, filed Mar. 21, 2008, entitled “WATERROUNDS SYSTEMS”, which is related to and claims priority from priorprovisional application Ser. No. 60/896,247, filed Mar. 21, 2007,entitled “WATER ROUNDS SYSTEMS”; and, this application is related to andclaims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/026,593,filed Jul. 18, 2014, entitled “TREE AND PLANT WATERING SYSTEMS.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to plants and other organisms having rootsystems. More particularly, this invention relates to providing systemsfor the improved transfer of fluids to plants and other organisms havingroot systems. Furthermore, this invention relates to successfullycontaining fluids in the area surrounding plants as well as the areasurrounding other organisms having root systems.

Typically, plants are relatively difficult to transfer fluids to, afactor which greatly affects the health and vitality of the plant.Therefore, a need exists for improved fluid transfer, providing greaterplant health and vitality specifically through effective fluidcontainment in the area surrounding plant root systems.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide treeand plant watering systems to overcome the above-described problem(s).It is a further object and feature of the present invention to providesuch a system comprising containment in the area surrounding plant rootsystems. A further object and feature of the present invention is toprovide such a system comprising soil penetrators. Yet another objectand feature of the present invention is to provide such a systemcomprising soil anchors.

Furthermore, it is an object and feature of the present invention toprovide such a system comprising plant protectors, containers, and/orcontainer connectors.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to providesuch a system comprising container holders and contoured grips. It isyet another object and feature of the present invention to provide sucha system comprising tree and plant watering systems expanders. A furtherobject and feature of the present invention is to provide such a systemcomprising fluid transmitters. Also, it is an object and feature of thepresent invention to provide such a system comprising reinforcers.

A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide sucha system comprising plant growth ladders. Another object and feature isto provide such a system securing growth ladder legs. A further objectand feature of the present invention is to provide such a systemcomprising root apertures for promoting root growth beyond suchcontainment. A further object and feature of the present invention is toprovide such a system comprising tomato vine cages.

A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide sucha system comprising an apparatus capable of being separated to assistbeing placed around existing plantus and then being coupled together. Afurther object and feature of the present invention is to provide such asystem wherein such apparatus coupling provides a water-holding seal.

Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such asystem having a tilt stabilizer to prevent tilting in loose or muddysoil. A further object and feature of the present invention is toprovide such a system having tomato cage orientation stabilizers.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is toprovide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Otherobjects and features of this invention will become apparent withreference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, related to assisting at least one fluid from at leastone fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in at least one soil,comprising: at least one surrounder structured and arranged to radiallysurround the at least one plantus; wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one container structured and arranged to contain theat least one fluid when such at least one surrounder is embedded in theat least one soil; wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one inner surface extending from a near edge, near the at leastone soil, to a far edge, away from the at least one soil; wherein suchat least one surrounder comprises at least one penetrator structured andarranged to penetrate the at least one soil; and wherein such at leastone surrounder comprises at least one separation element, having atleast one first end portion and at least one second end portion,structured and arranged to provide separation of such at least onesurrounder to assist such radial installation of such at least onesurrounder around the at least one plantus.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises: at least one inner ring portion; at least one outer ringportion; and at least one ledge portion connecting such at least oneinner ring portion and such at least one outer ring portion; whereinsuch at least one separation element provides at least one separation tosuch at least one inner ring portion, such at least one outer ringportion, and such at least one ledge portion; wherein such at least oneinner ring portion comprises at least one first connector elementstructured and arranged to connect such at least one separation elementof such at least one inner ring portion; wherein such outer ring portioncomprises at least one second connector element structured and arrangedto connect such at least one separation element of such at least oneouter ring portion; wherein such at least one ledge portion comprises atleast one third connector element structured and arranged to connectsuch at least one separation element of such at least one ledge portion;and wherein when such at least one inner ring portion is connected bysuch at least one first connector element, such at least one outer ringportion is connected by such at least one second connector element, andsuch at least one ledge portion is connected by such at least one thirdconnector element such at least one surrounder is not separated.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein at least one firstconnector element comprises: at least one first pin structured andarranged to be placed into at least one first pin aperture; wherein suchat least one first pin is situate on one of such at least one first endportion or such at least one second end portion end of such at least oneseparation element; wherein such at least one first pin aperture issituate on the other end of such at least one separation element; andwherein placement of such at least one first pin into such at least onefirst pin aperture connects such at least one separation element of suchat least one inner portion. Also, it provides such a system wherein atleast one second connector element comprises: at least one first secondpin structured and arranged to be placed into at least one of at leasttwo second pin apertures; at least one second second pin structured andarranged to be placed into at least one other of at least two second pinapertures; wherein such at least one first second pin is situate on oneof such at least one first end portion or such at least one second endportion of such at least one separation element; wherein such at leastone second second pin is situate on the other end of such at least oneseparation element; wherein such at least two second pin aperturescomprise at least one removable coupling element structured and arrangedto couple together such at least one first second pin and such at leastone second second pin; and wherein placement of such at least one firstsecond pin into such at least one removable coupling element and such atleast one second pin into such into such at least one removable couplingelement connects such at least one separation element of such at leastone outer portion.

In addition, it provides such a system wherein at least one thirdconnector element comprises: at least one third pin structured andarranged to be placed into at least one third pin aperture; wherein suchat least one third pin is situate on one of such at least one first endportion or such at least one second end portion of such at least oneseparation element; wherein such at least one third pin aperture issituate on the other end of such at least one separation element; andwherein placement of such at least one third pin into such at least onethird pin aperture connects such at least one separation element of suchat least one ledge portion. And, it provides such a system wherein suchat least one removable coupling element comprises at least one clipstructured and arranged to connected opposite such at least one firstsecond pin and such at least one second second pin. Further, it providessuch a system wherein such at least one surrounder comprises: at leastone inner face situate on the innermost diameter of such at least onesurrounder; and at least one anchor structured and arranged to anchorsuch at least one surrounder to the at least one soil; wherein such atleast one anchor is situate along such at least one inner face. Evenfurther, it provides such a system wherein such at least one anchorcomprises at least one flange situate along such at least one innerface. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least oneflange comprises at least one sloped portion sloping from such at leastone inner face to an about v-shaped edge and sloping upwardly andoutwardly therefrom to create at least one trough-shaped flange. Evenfurther, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one connector structured and arranged to connect suchat least one first end portion and such at least one second end portion.

Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least oneconnector comprises: at least one channeled connecting member to receivesuch at least one first end portion and such at least one second endportion; and at least one fastener to secure such at least one channeledconnecting member to such at least one surrounder. Even further, itprovides such a system wherein such at least one penetrator comprises atleast one holder structured and arranged to hold such at least onesurrounder during penetration. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein such at least one surrounder comprises at least one expanderelement structured and arranged to expand the fluid capacity of such atleast one surrounder. Even further, it provides such a system wherein:such at least one expander element comprises at least one firstsurrounder layer and at least one second surrounder layer; and such atleast one second surrounder layer extends away from such at least onefirst surrounder layer, expanding the fluid capacity of such at leastone surrounder immediately surrounding the at least one plantus. Evenfurther, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one fluid transmitter structured and arranged totransmit at least one fluid from the at least one fluid source. Evenfurther, it provides such a system wherein such at least one penetratorcomprises at least one tooth. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein such at least one surrounder comprises at least onenested-stacking element structured and arranged to assist nestedstacking of a plurality of such at least one surrounders.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, related to providing at least one fluid from at leastone fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in at least one soil,comprising: surrounder means for radially surrounding the at least oneplantus; wherein such surrounder means comprises container means forcontaining the at least one fluid; wherein such surrounder meanscomprises at least one inner surface extending from a near edge, nearthe at least one soil, to a far edge, away from the at least one soil;and wherein such surrounder means comprises penetrator means forpenetrating the at least one soil. Also, it provides such a systemwherein such surrounder means comprises protector means for protectingthe at least one plantus. In addition, it provides such a system whereinsuch surrounder means comprises anchor means for anchoring suchsurrounder means into the at least one soil. And, it provides such asystem wherein such surrounder means comprises: at least one firstportion; at least one second portion; and connector means for connectingsuch at least one first portion and such at least one second portion.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such penetrator meanscomprises holder means for holding such surrounder means duringpenetration. Even further, it provides such a system wherein suchsurrounder means comprises expander means for expanding the capacity tocontain the at least one fluid. Moreover, it provides such a systemwherein such expander means comprises at least one first layer and atleast one second layer whereby such at least one second layer extendsaway from such at least one first layer, providing an increase in thesize of the area immediately surrounding the at least one plantus.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such surrounder meanscomprises transmitter means for transmitting the at least one fluid fromthe at least one fluid source. Also, it provides such a system whereinsuch transmitter means comprises at least one sprinkler. In addition, itprovides such a system wherein such penetrator means comprises at leastone tooth. And, it provides such a system wherein such surrounder meanscomprises at least one plastic.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, related to providing at least one fluid from at leastone fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in at least one soil,comprising: At least one surrounder structured and arranged to radiallysurround the at least one plantus; wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one container structured and arranged to contain theat least one fluid; wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one inner surface extending from a near edge, near the at leastone soil, to a far edge, away from the at least one soil; and whereinsuch at least one surrounder comprises at least one penetratorstructured and arranged to penetrate the at least one soil. Further, itprovides such a system wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one protector structured and arranged to protect the at least oneplantus. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at leastone surrounder comprises at least one anchor structured and arranged toanchor such at least one surrounder to the at least one soil. Moreover,it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises: at least one first portion; at least one second portion; andat least one connector structured and arranged to connect such at leastone first portion and such at least one second portion.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least onepenetrator comprises at least one holder structured and arranged to holdsuch at least one surrounder during penetration. Also, it provides sucha system wherein such at least one surrounder comprises at least oneexpander structured and arranged to expand the capacity to contain theat least one fluid. In addition, it provides such a system wherein suchat least one expander comprises at least one first layer and at leastone second layer whereby such at least one second layer extends awayfrom such at least one first layer, providing an increase in the size ofthe area immediately surrounding the at least one plantus. And, itprovides such a system wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one transmitter structured and arranged to transmit the at leastone fluid from the at least one fluid source.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one transmittercomprises at least one sprinkler. Even further, it provides such asystem wherein such at least one penetrator comprises at least onetooth. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least onesurrounder comprises at least one plastic. Even further, it providessuch a system wherein such at least one holder comprises contours. Evenfurther, it provides such a system whereby such near edge penetrates toa depth greater three inches. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein the distance between such near edge and such far edge grades.Even further, it provides such a system wherein such far edge of such atleast one surrounder tapers away from the at least one plantus withrespect to such near edge. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein such near edge is more than three inches from such far edge.Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least onepenetrator comprises at least one kickplate. Even further, it providessuch a system wherein said: at least one surrounder comprises at leastone anchor structured and arranged to anchor such at least onesurrounder to the at least one soil; at least one surrounder comprisesat least one plastic; at least one penetrator comprises at least onetooth; and at least one holder comprises contours.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, related to assisting at least one fluid from at leastone fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in at least one soil,comprising: at least one surrounder structured and arranged to radiallysurround the at least one plantus; wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one container structured and arranged to contain theat least one fluid when such at least one surrounder is embedded in theat least one soil; wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one inner surface extending from a near edge, near the at leastone soil, to a far edge, away from the at least one soil; wherein suchat least one surrounder comprises at least one penetrator structured andarranged to penetrate the at least one soil; and wherein such at leastone surrounder comprises a first plurality of apertures structured andarranged to receive at least one frame ladder structured and arranged toassist upward plant growth. Moreover, it provides such a system furthercomprising at least one frame ladder attachable to such at least onesurrounder and extending upward from such at least one surrounder.Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one frameladder comprises at least one leg portion structured and arranged to beuseable to couple such at least one frame ladder to such at least onesurrounder. Also, it provides such a system wherein such first pluralityof apertures comprises seven apertures structured and arranged tosupport at least a three-legged frame or a four-legged frame ladder. Inaddition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one frameladder comprises at least one cage structured and arranged to assistupward plant growth. And, it provides such a system wherein such firstplurality of apertures are positioned on a top portion of such at leastone surrounder. Further, it provides such a system wherein such firstplurality of apertures are positioned on a sidewall portion of such atleast one surrounder.

Even further, it provides such a system wherein such surrounder furthercomprises at least one second plurality of apertures structured andarranged to provide passage to laterally expanding plantus roots.Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises: at least one inner face situate on the innermost diameter ofsuch at least one surrounder; and at least one anchor structured andarranged to anchor such at least one surrounder to the at least onesoil; wherein such at least one anchor is situate along such at leastone inner face. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such atleast one anchor comprises at least one flange situate along such atleast one inner face. Also, it provides such a system wherein such atleast one flange comprises at least one sloped portion sloping from suchat least one inner face to an about v-shaped edge and sloping upwardlyand outwardly therefrom to create at least one trough-shaped flange. Inaddition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises: at least one first portion; at least one second portion; andat least one connector structured and arranged to connect such at leastone first portion and such at least one second portion. And, it providessuch a system wherein such at least one connector comprises: at leastone channeled connecting member to receive such at least one firstportion and such at least one second portion; and at least one fastenerto secure such at least one channeled connecting member to such at leastone surrounder.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one connectorfurther comprises two pins insertable into such at least one channeledconnecting member and at least one clip connected opposite such twopins. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least onepenetrator comprises at least one holder structured and arranged to holdsuch at least one surrounder during penetration. Moreover, it providessuch a system wherein such at least one surrounder comprises at leastone expander element structured and arranged to expand the fluidcapacity of such at least one surrounder. Additionally, it provides sucha system wherein: such at least one expander element comprises at leastone first surrounder layer and at least one second surrounder layer; andsuch at least one second surrounder layer extends away from such atleast one first surrounder layer, expanding the fluid capacity of suchat least one surrounder immediately surrounding the at least oneplantus. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least onesurrounder comprises at least one fluid transmitter structured andarranged to transmit at least one fluid from the at least one fluidsource. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least onefluid transmitter comprises at least one sprinkler. And, it providessuch a system wherein such at least one penetrator comprises at leastone tooth.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, related to assisting at least one fluid from at leastone fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in at least one soil,comprising: at least one surrounder structured and arranged to radiallysurround the at least one plantus; wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one container structured and arranged to contain theat least one fluid when such at least one surrounder is embedded in theat least one soil; wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one inner surface extending from a near edge, near the at leastone soil, to a far edge, away from the at least one soil; wherein suchat least one surrounder comprises at least one penetrator structured andarranged to penetrate the at least one soil; wherein such at least onesurrounder comprises at least one protector structured and arranged toprotect the at least one plantus; wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one anchor structured and arranged to anchor such atleast one surrounder to the at least one soil; and wherein such at leastone penetrator comprises at least one holder structured and arranged tohold such at least one surrounder during penetration.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, related to assisting at least one fluid from at leastone fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in at least one soil,comprising: surrounder means for radially surrounding the at least oneplantus; wherein such surrounder means comprises container means forcontaining the at least one fluid; wherein such surrounder meanscomprises at least one inner surface extending from a near edge, nearthe at least one soil, to a far edge, away from the at least one soil;and wherein such surrounder means comprises penetrator means forpenetrating the at least one soil.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, related to assisting at least one fluid from at leastone fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in at least one soil,comprising: at least one surrounder structured and arranged to radiallysurround the at least one plantus; wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one container structured and arranged to contain theat least one fluid when such at least one surrounder is embedded in theat least one soil; wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one inner surface extending from a near edge, near the at leastone soil, to a far edge, away from the at least one soil; wherein suchat least one surrounder comprises at least one penetrator structured andarranged to penetrate the at least one soil; wherein such at least onesurrounder comprises at least one protector structured and arranged toprotect the at least one plantus; wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one anchor structured and arranged to anchor such atleast one surrounder to the at least one soil; and wherein such at leastone penetrator comprises at least one holder structured and arranged tohold such at least one surrounder during penetration.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises a first plurality of apertures structured and arranged toreceive at least one frame ladder structured and arranged to assistupward plant growth. Additionally, it provides such a system furthercomprising at least one frame ladder attachable to such at least onesurrounder and extending upward from such at least one surrounder. Also,it provides such a system wherein such at least one frame laddercomprises at least one leg portion structured and arranged to be useableto couple such at least one frame ladder to such at least onesurrounder. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such firstplurality of apertures comprises seven apertures structured and arrangedto support at least a three-legged frame or a four-legged frame ladder.And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one frame laddercomprises at least one cage structured and arranged to assist upwardplant growth.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such first plurality ofapertures are positioned on a top portion of such at least onesurrounder. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such firstplurality of apertures are positioned on a sidewall portion of such atleast one surrounder. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein suchsurrounder further comprises at least one second plurality of aperturesstructured and arranged to provide passage to laterally expandingplantus roots. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such atleast one anchor comprises at least one flange situate along such atleast one inner face.

Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one flangecomprises at least one sloped portion sloping from such at least oneinner face to an about v-shaped edge and sloping upwardly and outwardlytherefrom to create at least one trough-shaped flange. In addition, itprovides such a system wherein such at least one surrounder comprises:at least one first portion; at least one second portion; and at leastone connector structured and arranged to connect such at least one firstportion and such at least one second portion. And, it provides such asystem wherein such at least one connector comprises: at least onechanneled connecting member to receive such at least one first portionand such at least one second portion; and at least one fastener tosecure such at least one channeled connecting member to such at leastone surrounder. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at leastone connector further comprises two pins insertable into such at leastone channeled connecting member and at least one clip connected oppositesuch two pins. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such atleast one penetrator comprises at least one holder structured andarranged to hold such at least one surrounder during penetration. Evenfurther, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surroundercomprises at least one expander element structured and arranged toexpand the fluid capacity of such at least one surrounder.

Even further, it provides such a system wherein: such at least oneexpander element comprises at least one first surrounder layer and atleast one second surrounder layer; and such at least one secondsurrounder layer extends away from such at least one first surrounderlayer, expanding the fluid capacity of such at least one surrounderimmediately surrounding the at least one plantus. Even further, itprovides such a system wherein such at least one surrounder comprises atleast one fluid transmitter structured and arranged to transmit at leastone fluid from the at least one fluid source. Even further, it providessuch a system wherein such at least one fluid transmitter comprises atleast one sprinkler. Even further, it provides such a system whereinsuch at least one penetrator comprises at least one tooth. Even further,it provides such a system wherein such at least one surrounder comprisesat least one nested-stacking element structured and arranged to assistnested stacking of a plurality of such at least one surrounders.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/ormethod disclosed or suggested by this patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the water rounds system,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a water round apparatus, accordingto the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a fluid transmitter, prior to use,according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a fluid transmitter, in use,according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a water round apparatus, according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a water round apparatus,according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a water round apparatus,according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a water round of the water rounds systemcomprising a tomato cage, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration showing the relationship ofapertures of a water round of FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the water round of FIG. 6 placed into theground.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a water round comprising a tomato cage,according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the water round of FIG. 9 placed into theground.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a water round similar to that of FIG. 8 andFIG. 9 with additional apertures for lateral root expansion, accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view, illustrating another preferredembodiment of water rounds system which may be installed around anexisting tree or plant comprising a connection assembly, according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A shows a connecting member of another preferred embodiment ofwater rounds system.

FIG. 13B shows a preferred coupler according to the preferred embodimentof FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the section B-B of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of another preferred connector of thewater rounds system according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of another preferred connector of thewater rounds system according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of another preferred connector of thewater rounds system according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of Detail 20 of the preferredembodiment FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of the preferred embodiment FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 shows a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 shows a front perspective view of a water round of the waterrounds system comprising a tomato cage, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 shows an enlarged front perspective view of a water round of thewater rounds system utilized with a tomato cage, according to apreferred embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of section C-C of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 shows a front perspective view of a water round of the waterrounds system comprising a tomato cage, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows an enlarged front perspective view of a water round of thewater rounds system utilized with a tomato cage, according to apreferred embodiment of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of a water round, illustrating atleast one interior leg engager, according to an alternately preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage cover,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage coveron at least one cage, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one water-roundinsert, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one water-roundinsert in relation to a water round, according to the preferredembodiment of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 shows a cut-away view, illustrating at least one water-roundinsert, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 35 shows an enlarged view, illustrating the at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 shows a cross-sectional view of section E-E of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 shows an enlarged view, illustrating the at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 shows an exploded view, illustrating the at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 40 shows an enlarged exploded view, illustrating the at least onecage-leg lock-down subsystem, according to the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 39.

FIG. 41 shows an enlarged view, illustrating the at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem from the outside of a water round, according to thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 shows an enlarged view, illustrating the at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem from the inside of a water round, according to thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 39.

FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of section F-F of FIG. 39.

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 45 shows an enlarged exploded view, illustrating the at least onecage-leg lock-down subsystem, according to the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 44.

FIG. 46 shows a perspective view, illustrating cage-leg engagement ofthe at least one cage-leg lock-down subsystem, according to thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 44.

FIG. 47 shows a cross-sectional view of section G-G of FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 shows a cut-away view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 49 shows a cut-away view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem, according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THEINVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a water rounds system 100according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Waterrounds system 100 is preferably related to providing a fluid 202 from afluid source 208 (best viewed on FIG. 2A) to a plantus 200 embedded insoil 204. Water rounds system 100 preferably provides increased exposureof fluid 202 to roots 207, providing a slow, deep, penetratingirrigation to plantus 200. Water rounds system 100 preferably alsoallows plantus 200 to become stronger, healthier, and more stable, asthe roots 207 of plantus 200 will preferably be more deeply establishedas the roots preferably will follow the gravitational path 209 of fluid202 deeper into soil 204, and will be provided with more root surfacearea exposure to fluid 202, as well as greater access to deeper andricher soil 204.

Based on Robert Whittaker's Five-Kingdom System, plantus 200 preferablycomprises kingdom plantae, kingdom fungi, kingdom protista, and kingdommonera. More specifically, plantus 200 preferably comprise plants 300,preferably plants 300 comprising plant roots 307, as shown. Upon readingthe teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the artwill now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringsuch issues as biology, technology, etc., other plantus, such as, trees,shrubs, herbs, vegetables, mushrooms, other living things requiringexposure to fluids, other living things comprising root systems, etc.,may suffice.

Soil 204 preferably comprises planting soil 304, as shown. Upon readingthe teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the artwill now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringsuch issues as conditions, geography, plantus, climate, convenience,cost, market demand, technology, etc., other soils, such as, dirt, sand,grain, gravel, other granular materials, other root system supportingmediums, etc., may suffice.

Fluid 202 preferably comprises water 302, preferably mostly water, asshown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those ofordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as soil, plantus, climate,convenience, cost, market demand, technology, etc., other fluids, suchas, Miracle-Gro®, fluids comprising nutrients, other mixtures, etc., maysuffice.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a water round system apparatus 101,according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1A.

Water round system apparatus 101 preferably comprises surrounder 110 andpenetrator 120, as shown. Surrounder 110 (at least herein embodyingsurrounder means for radially surrounding the at least one plantus)preferably comprises a radial surrounder 110, with respect to plantus200, as shown. Surrounder 110 preferably comprises at least onecontainer 112 (at least herein embodying container means for containingthe at least one fluid), preferably able to hold a fluid 202 incontainer 112, preferably when such container 112 is anchored toplanting soil 304, preferably preventing fluid 202 from escaping thearea surrounding roots 207, as shown.

Container 112 preferably comprises reservoir 312, as best shown in FIG.1A. Surrounder 110 preferably comprises inner surface 114, extendingfrom a near edge 121 near soil 204, to a far edge 122 away from soil204. Preferably, near edge 121 is more than approximately three inchesfrom far edge 122, so as to preferably provide at least three inches ofpenetration depth. In addition, far edge 122 preferably tapers away fromplantus 200 with respect to near edge 121, preferably providing av-shaped cross-section, so as to provide greater containment capacitywhile funneling fluid 202 over roots 207, as best shown in FIG. 1A.

Penetrator 120 (at least herein embodying penetrator means forpenetrating the at least one soil) preferably penetrates soil 204,preferably so as to prevent fluid 202 from leaking out from under thenear edge 121 of container 112, as shown. Penetrator 120 preferablycomprises holder 140 (at least herein embodying holder means for holdingsaid surrounder means during penetration), preferably a holder 140comprising contours 141, preferably so as to permit a user of waterround system apparatus 101 to hold surrounder 110 during penetration,preferably penetration by twisting and pressing surrounder 110 into soil204. Penetrator 120 preferably comprises teeth 320, preferably alongnear edge 121, preferably such that near edge 121 may penetrate to adepth of at least about three inches. Upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understandthat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as soil,cost, convenience, market demand, technology, etc., other penetrators,such as, spikes, hooks, sharp edges, other non-teeth, etc., may suffice.

As best shown in FIG. 1A, surrounder 110 preferably comprises an anchor111 (at least herein embodying anchor means for anchoring saidsurrounder means into the at least one soil), preferably at least oneanchoring protrusion 311, so as to provide anchoring of surrounder 110into soil 204, as shown. Anchor 111 preferably comprises anupwardly-facing V-shaped flange 125, preferably encircling the innerdiameter of surrounder 110, as shown. In such manner, a user maymanipulate the surrounder 110 to preferably penetrate the soil withteeth 320, preferably by rotation or “sawing” motion of the surrounder110. This arrangement provides utilizing the smallest outercircumference of surrounder 110; and, comprises at least anchoring alongthe inner circumference of surrounder 110 by upwardly-facing V-shapedflange 125 which preferably “pushes” against the soil to keep thesurrounder 110 anchored in place once buried into the soil. Upon readingthe teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the artwill now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringsuch issues as soil, market demand, cost, technology, etc., other anchorgeometries, such as, U-shaped, W-shaped, etc., may suffice. In addition,upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the artwill now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringsuch issues as design preference, user preferences, marketingpreferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials,technological advances, etc., other added anchor arrangements such as,for example, hooks, spikes, attachers, adhesives, etc., may suffice.

As best shown in FIG. 1A, surrounder 110 preferably comprises protector146 (at least herein embodying protector means for protecting the atleast one plantus), preferably walls 346 (see inset on FIG. 1A),preferably comprising plastic, as shown, preferably so as to protectplantus 200 from debris, erosion, etc., as shown. Upon reading theteachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art willnow understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as cost, convenience, market demand, technology, etc., otherprotectors, such as, blockers, shields, barriers, other non-wallconfigurations, etc., may suffice. Further, upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues asmanufacturing preference, cost, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other materials for walls 346such as, carbon-fiber, galvanized steel, fiberglass, etc., may suffice.

Preferred embodiments of surrounder 110 comprise a range of differentdiameters to work with various types of plants and trees. Preferably,such diameters will vary depending on the diameter and root system ofthe respective plants. Preferred embodiments of surrounder 110 will alsofurther preferably comprise various color options, such as, coloredplastic, colored parts, etc.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a fluid transmitter 170, prior touse, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a fluid transmitter 170, in use,according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2A. In the preferredembodiment of FIG. 2, surrounder 110 preferably comprises a fluidtransmitter 170 (at least herein embodying transmitter means fortransmitting the at least one fluid from the at least one fluid source)that preferably transmits fluid 202, preferably water, preferably fromfluid source 208, preferably to the area surrounding plantus 200, asshown. Fluid transmitter 170 preferably comprises a sprinkler 370. Inaddition, fluid transmitter 170 preferably comprises an intake 379.Sprinkler 370 preferably sprinkles fluid 202 onto the soil 204surrounding roots 207. Alternately preferably, fluid transmitter 170could be directed away from surrounder 110, so as to transmit fluid 202to areas outside of reservoir 312, such as to surrounding plantus 200.Alternately preferably, fluid transmitter 170 could transmit fluid 202to a plurality of surrounders 110, preferably “daisy-chained” along awater hose, preferably, such that fluid 202 transmits to a plurality ofsurrounders 110 simultaneously controlled by a single nozzle or fluidsource 208. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those ofordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as cost, convenience, marketdemand, technology, etc., other transmitters, such as, drips, valves,sprayers, other sprinkler configurations, etc., may suffice.

Fluid source 208 preferably comprises at least one hose 308, preferablya garden hose connected to a pressurized water source, such as aresidential or commercial plumbing system, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinaryskill in the art will now understand that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as cost, convenience, marketdemand, technology, etc., other fluid sources, such as, faucets,nozzles, valves, funnels, bowls, other fluid dispensers, water tanks,etc., may suffice.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a water round apparatus 155 according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the preferredembodiment of FIG. 3, surrounder 110 preferably comprises first portion151, second portion 152, and connector 150. Connector 150 (at leastherein embodying connector means for connecting said at least one firstportion and said at least one second portion) preferably comprises plugs156, preferably so as to permit first portion 151 to connect to secondportion 152, preferably so as to provide ease of installation andremoval from plantus 200, in particular where plantus 200 is too largeto lift surrounder 110 up, over, and off of plantus 200. Upon readingthe teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the artwill now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringsuch issues as cost, convenience, market demand, technology, etc., otherconnectors, such as, engagers, clips, hooks, sliders, ties, othernon-plugs, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a water round apparatus 201according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Inthe preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, surrounder 110 preferably comprisesexpander 160 (at least herein embodying expander means for expanding thecapacity to contain the at least one fluid), preferably so as to provideexpanded fluid 202 capacity. Expander 160 preferably comprises extender165, preferably comprising a first layer 161 and a second layer 162,whereby second layer 162 extends away from first layer 161, providing anincrease in the size of the containment area around plantus 200. Uponreading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill inthe art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as cost, convenience, market demand, technology,etc., other expanders, such as, coils, inflators, other non-extenders,etc., may suffice.

Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates that multiple water rounds may bestacked or nested closely adjacent to one another, as shown by firstlayer 161 and a second layer 162 stacking/nesting 167. Preferably, suchstacking/nesting 167 provides benefit for retail sales (more product inless space) and shipping advantage (more product in less packagingspace). The above described arrangement and illustrated drawings atleast embodying herein, wherein said at least one surrounder comprisesat least one nested-stacking element structured and arranged to assistnested stacking of a plurality of said at least one surrounder.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a water round apparatus 301according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.Preferably, the distance between an outer edge 123 and far edge 122,slopes, so as to provide for adequate containment where a plantus 200is, for example, on a hillside, preferably so as to accommodate theparticular degree of the hillside, as shown. In other words, in thisexample scenario, the downhill side of surrounder 110 is thicker thanthe uphill side of surrounder 110, as shown in FIG. 5. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues asmanufacturing preference, cost, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other sloping arrangements suchas, angled edges, taller and shorter walls, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a water round 601 of the water roundssystem 100 comprising a cage 605, according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 6 shows water rounds embodiment 601. Waterrounds embodiment 601 preferably comprises base 610 (water round systemapparatus 101 as shown in FIG. 1B), cage 605, and apertures 615, asshown. Cage 605 provides a frame ladder or scaffold for plants such astomato plants, preferably at least tomato plants. Alternatelypreferably, water rounds embodiment 601 preferably comprises at leastone frame ladder (not necessarily a cage) circumferential with the waterround 601. FIG. 6 shows a three-legged cage 605. The aperturearrangement (described more particularly in FIG. 7) may also accept afour-legged cage as shown in FIG. 9. Upon reading this specification,those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other cagearrangements such as, for example, more or less legs, other attachmentmeans, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, base 610 contains preferably seven of apertures 615 arrangedon the top portion of base 600, as shown. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., otheraperture arrangements such as, for example, other numbers of apertures,other aperture geometries, etc., may suffice. Under appropriatecircumstances, other numbers of apertures 615 may suffice. The aperturesare sized to accept the legs of cage 605, as shown. Apertures 615 arepreferably about one-quarter inch in diameter. Under appropriatecircumstances, other aperture diameters may suffice. The legs of cage605 preferably extend into surrounder 110 (see FIG. 1A). In use, waterrounds embodiment 601 is preferably placed into the ground surrounding atomato plant or vegetable plant to support the growth of the plant. Theconfiguration of base 610 assists in delivering water to the root systemof the surrounded plant as discussed herein. Base 610 is preferablycircular in construction with a preferred diameter of about 16 inches.Under appropriate circumstances, other diameters (larger or smaller) ofbase may suffice.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration showing the relationship ofapertures of a water round of FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 according to preferredembodiments of the present invention. Apertures 615 preferably compriseseven apertures A through G, as shown. For purposes of this description,angles herein are measured counterclockwise from Aperture A. Preferably,apertures B, D, E, and G are configured to accept a four-legged cage asshown in FIG. 9. Preferably, aperture B is located about 45 degrees fromAperture A. Preferably, aperture D is located about 135 degrees fromAperture A. Preferably, aperture E is located about 225 degrees fromAperture A. Preferably, aperture G is located about 315 degrees fromAperture A. Preferably, apertures A, C, and F are configured to accept athree-legged cage as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, aperture C is locatedabout 120-degrees from Aperture A. Preferably, aperture F is locatedabout 240 degrees from Aperture A. Under appropriate circumstances,other angle values of the apertures may suffice.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the water round of FIG. 6 placed into theground. FIG. 8 further illustrates a method of anchoring the legs 607 ofcage 605A (shown with four legs) into base 610. In a preferredembodiment, after inserting the leg into the appropriate one of aperture615, preferably, the legs of cage 605 may be bent (preferably with atool, such as a pair of pliers) so as to “hook” the base 610, as shown.The bending of the legs 607 of cage 605 assists in anchoring cage 605relative to base 610, as shown. Alternately preferably, the legs 607 maybe pre-bent and inserted from under the base 610. Under appropriatecircumstances, other anchoring assistance may suffice, for example, theuse of mechanical fasteners to prevent release of the legs from theapertures. The bending of the legs preferably occurs prior to installingbase 610 into soil or ground.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a water round comprising a cage 905according to another preferred embodiment 900 of the present invention.Embodiment 900 preferably comprises base 910 (water round systemapparatus 101 as shown in FIG. 1B), cage 905, and apertures 915, asshown. Embodiment 900 preferably is similar to water rounds embodiment601 except for the placement of apertures 915. In embodiment 900apertures 915 are found penetrating the sidewalls of base 910, as shown.In this arrangement, the ends of the legs 907 of cage 905 are preferablybent so as to insert at a relative right angle relative to the remainingupright leg portion of cage 905 (see FIG. 10), as shown. The legs 907 ofcage 905 preferably pass through internal sidewall, through surrounder110 (see FIG. 1A), and through external sidewall of base 910, as shown.This arrangement provides preferred weight distribution of cage 905(which will support weight of a vegetable plant or tomato plant) on base910. Apertures 915 are preferably one-quarter inch in diameter. Underappropriate circumstances, other diameters may suffice. Base 910 ispreferably circular in construction with a diameter of about 16 inches.Under appropriate circumstances, other diameters (larger or smaller) ofthe base may suffice.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the water round of FIG. 9 placed into theground. FIG. 10 further illustrates a method of anchoring the legs 907of cage 905 (only two legs are shown for clarity) into base 910. Theends of the legs 907 of cage 905 are preferably bent into roughly a90-degree angle with a tool such as a pair of pliers. After bending, theends of legs 907 are inserted into the appropriate apertures 915 foranchoring. Under appropriate circumstances, other anchoring assistancemay suffice, for example, the use of mechanical fasteners to preventrelease of the legs from the apertures.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of another water rounds system embodimentsimilar to that of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 with additional apertures forlateral root expansion according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. Preferably, root expansion apertures 1105 are ofsufficient diameter, and are sufficiently placed, so as to allow theroots of the enclosed vegetable plant to expand beyond the perimeter ofthe water round system without substantial impediment to the plant'sgrowth. Root expansion apertures 1105 preferably comprise one-inchdiameter bores in the sidewalls of the water rounds base 1000, as shown.Preferably, root expansion apertures 1105 are regularly spaced along theentire perimeter of the water rounds base 1000. Preferably, the centerof each root expansion aperture 1105 is located approximately 2.5 inchesfrom the centers of adjoining apertures, as shown. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., otheraperture arrangements such as, for example, some high, some low,differing diameter apertures, other geometries (square, triangular,etc), slots, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view illustrating another preferredembodiment of water rounds system 100, which may be installed around anexisting tree or plant, comprising a connection assembly 1205 accordingto another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment comprises a transverse perforation in both base portions 1200and 1210, creating a transverse separation 1215 in the circularsidewalls. Separation 1215 assists placement of water round assembly1225 around a tree or large shrub which is otherwise too large to acceptan unbroken water round over the top of such plant. After placementaround a tree or shrub, separation 1215 in the water round preferably iscoupled closed by connection assembly 1205 preferably closely adjoiningthe circular portion with a preferably butt jointcouple, as shown. Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences,cost, structural requirements, available materials, technologicaladvances, etc., other coupling arrangements such as, for example, use toincrease the diameter of the water round assembly, maintaining a largergap when coupled, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of connection assembly 1205 accordingto another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Connectionassembly 1205 preferably comprises connecting member 1355, pins 1305,and coupler 1345 (See FIG. 13B), as shown. Connection assembly 1205preferably provides a rigid connection, preferably sealing separation1215. Alternately preferably, connection assembly 1205 preferablyprovides at least a sealed connection (whether rigid, semi-rigid orflexible) sealing separation 1215, as shown. The edges of the sidewallfrom each respective end of separation 1215 preferably are insertedwithin the recess 1330 and the recess 1340 of connecting member 1355, asshown. Pins 1305 are then preferably inserted into apertures 1315 andsnapped into place. Separation 1215 preferably is sealed by insertingone penetrator 120 (preferably at least one tooth as seen in FIG. 12)from the water round from each side of separation 1215 into theapertures 1350 of coupler 1345. Coupler 1345 preferably comprises anupper lip that is snapped behind the lower interior lip of the waterround, thereby locking coupler 1345 in place (See FIG. 12). Upon readingthis specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will nowappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences,cost, structural requirements, available materials, technologicaladvances, etc., other connection arrangements such as, for example,greater than dual pin arrangements, single pin arrangements, rivets,other fastener arrangements, adhesive attachment, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 13A shows pins 1305 and a connecting member 1355 of the waterrounds system 100 of FIG. 12. Connecting member 1355 preferably is asingle monolithic piece preferably comprising a shorter portion 1325, alonger portion 1335, and a flexible middle portion 1320, as shown.Longer portion 1335 preferably comprises an inner recess (or channels)1340 that is sufficiently wide so as to permit insertion of the sidewall(thickness) of a respective water round, as shown.

Preferably, the width of inner recess 1340 is substantially equal to thethickness of the sidewall. Likewise, shorter portion 1325 preferablycomprises an inner recess 1330 that is sufficiently wide so as to permitinsertion of the sidewall of the water round system. Preferably, thewidth of inner recess 1330 is substantially equal to the thickness ofthe sidewall.

The flexible middle portion 1320 preferably comprises two apertures1315. Preferably, apertures 1315 are sized for use with pins 1305. Pins1305 preferably comprise smooth thumb-pressed rounded heads and taperedbodies, as shown. Preferably, the tapered bodies of pins 1305 comprise aslight bulge in their midportion, as shown. Preferably, apertures 1315comprise diameters slightly less than the diameter of the bulgingmidpoint of pins 1305. Pins 1305 preferably comprise a rust proofmaterial, preferably substantially 100% plastic, alternately preferably,substantially 100% rubber. Upon reading this specification, those withordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other materialarrangements such as, for example, stainless steel, carbon-fiber,aluminum, wood, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 13B shows a preferred coupler according to the preferred embodimentof FIG. 12. Coupler 1345 preferably comprises an upper lip structuredand arranged to engage with the lower interior lip of the water roundsystem. Coupler 1345 further comprises a lower lip comprising twoapertures 1350. Apertures 1350 preferably are each large enough toaccept one penetrator 120 on the bottom of the water round, as shown.Coupler 1345 preferably comprises a non-rust surface, preferably made ofmetal, alternately preferably plastic. Upon reading this specification,those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other materialarrangements such as, for example, stainless steel, carbon-fiber,aluminum, wood, etc., may suffice. In use, coupler 1345 preferablyadjoins and couples together each respective transverse separation 1215in the circular sidewalls of base portions 1200 and 1210, preferablycreating a sealed separation, as shown.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the section B-B of FIG. 13A.Longer portion 1335 preferably comprises an inner recess 1340 that issufficiently wide as to permit insertion of the sidewall of the waterround system. Preferably, the width of inner recess 1340 issubstantially equal to the thickness of the sidewall. Likewise, shorterportion 1325 preferably comprises an inner recess 1330 that issufficiently wide as to permit insertion of the sidewall of the waterround, as shown. Preferably, the thickness of inner recess 1330 issubstantially equal to the thickness of the sidewall so as to permit atight frictional fit.

It is further noted that water rounds system 100, water round systemapparatus 101, base 610, base 910, etc., are preferably made ofessentially 100% plastic. Preferably, recycled plastic is used,preferably a copolymer polypropylene. Under appropriate circumstances,other recycled or non-recycled plastics may suffice.

In another preferred embodiment, water rounds system 100, water roundsystem apparatus 101, base 610, base 910, etc., may be made to resemblematerials other than plastic, such as rock, brick, wood, etc. Creatingresembling looks would be accomplished using molding techniques andcolored plastics to match the item which is to be resembled.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of another preferred connector 150 ofthe water rounds system 100 according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the preferredembodiment of FIG. 15. Connection assembly 1505 preferably comprises anoverlap joint attachment 1530 in combination with an upper snap-springbutton assembly 1510 and a lower tooth and slot assembly 1520, as shown.Connection assembly 1505 preferably provides a coupled connection thatcouples the two separated portions of the water round together, asshown. Preferably, overlap joint attachment 1530 comprises a respectiveinner facing lip 1535 and outer facing lip 1536 both preferablycomprising about 50% of the thickness of the water round material andextending about one-eighth-inch to about one-quarter-inch outwardly, asshown. Preferably, the two portions inner facing lip 1535 and outerfacing lip 1536 overlap each other when placed together, as shown. Tomaintain each respective portion in a coupled position, the presentembodiment utilizes upper snap-spring button assembly 1510 and a lowertooth and slot assembly 1520, as shown.

Upper snap-spring button assembly 1510 comprises a preferably integrallyformed button protrusion 1540 that preferably inserts from beneath andpreferably upwardly into, aperture 1545, as shown. Preferably, buttonprotrusion 1540 is situated on a tab extension 1550 that preferably ismade of flexible material with a spring-like function to allow buttonprotrusion 1540 to be put under and snap into aperture 1545, as shown.

Lower tooth and slot assembly 1520 preferably comprises an extendedtooth portion 1555 structured and arranged so as to be able to lock intoa recess 1560, preferably a recess above a respective formed penetrator(tooth) 120, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those withordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other tooth couplingarrangements such as, for example, in the slot between each respectivetooth, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of another preferred connector 150 ofthe water rounds system 100 according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the preferredembodiment of FIG. 17. Connection assembly 1605 preferably comprises anoverlap joint attachment 1630 in combination with an upper snap-springbutton assembly 1610 and a lower tooth and slot assembly 1620, as shown.Connection assembly 1605 preferably provides a coupled connection thatcouples the two separated portions of the water round together, asshown. Preferably, overlap joint attachment 1630 comprises a respectiveinner facing lip 1635 and outer facing lip 1636, both preferablycomprising about 50% of the thickness of the water round material andextending about one-eighth-inch to about one-quarter-inch outwardly, asshown. Preferably, the two portions inner facing lip 1635 and outerfacing lip 1636 overlap each other when placed together, as shown. Tomaintain each respective portion and a coupled position the presentembodiment utilizes upper snap-spring button assembly 1610 and a lowertooth and slot assembly 1620, as shown.

Upper snap-spring button assembly 1610 comprises a preferably integrallyformed button protrusion 1640 that preferably inserts from beneath andupwardly into, aperture 1645, as shown. Preferably, button protrusion1640 is situated on a tab extension 1650 that preferably is made offlexible material with a spring-like function to allow button protrusion1640 be put under and snap into aperture 1645, as shown. Upon readingthis specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will nowappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences,cost, structural requirements, available materials, technologicaladvances, etc., other button arrangements such as, for example, extendedon a flap, multiple buttons, etc., may suffice.

Lower tooth and slot assembly 1620 preferably comprises an extendedtooth portion 1655 structured and arranged so as to be able to lock intoat least one recess 1660, preferably a single recess above a respectiveformed penetrator 120, preferably the second tooth portion from theoverlap joint attachment 1630, as shown. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., othertooth coupling arrangements such as, for example, in the slot betweeneach respective tooth, etc., may suffice.

Further, extended tooth portion 1655 preferably may comprise a separatepiece (not integral to the water round base portion) that can lock intoa respective recess 1660 on both sides of the overlap joint attachment1630, as shown.

Additionally, the water rounds system 100 components described hereinmay be of larger diameters (or smaller). Preferably water rounds system100 is preferably about 20 inches in diameter, preferably about 24inches in diameter, preferably about 36 inches in diameter, andpreferably about 48 inches in diameter.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of another preferred connector assembly1700 of the water rounds system 100 according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 shows a perspective view ofDetail 20 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 shows a topview of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 shows a bottom viewof the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19.

Connector assembly 1700 preferably comprises an overlap joint attachment1710 in combination with an upper button assembly 1720 and an uppertooth and slot assembly 1730, as shown. Connector assembly 1700preferably provides a coupled connection that assists coupling the twoseparated portions of the water round together at the upper portion1715, as shown. Preferably, overlap joint attachment 1710 comprises arespective inner facing lip 1735 and outer facing lip 1740 bothpreferably comprising about 50% of the thickness of the water roundmaterial and extending about one-eighth-inch to about one-quarter-inchoutwardly, as shown. Preferably, the two portions inner facing lip 1735and outer facing lip 1740 overlap each other when placed together, asshown.

Preferably, upper button assembly 1720 comprises a preferably integrallyformed button protrusion 1725 that preferably inserts from above, andpreferably downwardly into, aperture 1728, as shown. Preferably, buttonprotrusion 1725 is fixed on the underside of the top 1738 of outerfacing lip 1740, as shown. Aperture 1728 preferably is situated on top1744 of inner facing lip 1735, as shown.

Upper tooth and slot assembly 1730 preferably comprises an extendedtooth portion 1755 structured and arranged so as to be able to lock intoa recess 1760, preferably a recess along the upper outer rim 1765 of theouter ring portion 1770, as shown. Upon reading this specification,those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other tooth-couplingarrangements such as, for example, in the slot between each respectivetooth, etc., may suffice. Upper outer rim 1765 of the outer ring portion1770 preferably comprises at least one ridge 1780, preferablycircumferential to the entire outer ring portion 1770, preferablyassisting rigidity and strengthening of the outer ring portion 1770, asshown.

In use, the separated surrounder 110 is placed around a plantus 200 andconnector assembly 1700 comprising an overlap joint attachment 1710 incombination with an upper button assembly 1720 and an upper tooth andslot assembly 1730 is utilized to couple upper portion while coupler1345 preferably adjoins and couples together each respective transverseseparation 1215 in the circular sidewalls of base portions 1200 and1210, preferably adjoin both upper and lower sections of surrounder 110,creating a sealed separation, as shown (in FIG. 12). Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., othercoupling arrangements such as, for example, other combinations ofcouplings as described herein, other coupling arrangements, etc., maysuffice.

FIG. 23 shows a front perspective view of a water round of the waterrounds system 100 comprising a cage 605, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 shows an enlarged frontperspective view of a water round of the water rounds system 100utilized with a cage 605, according to a preferred embodiment of FIG.23. FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of section C-C of FIG. 24.While many of the features of water rounds embodiment 1800 are retainedfrom water rounds embodiment 601, particularly cage 605, apertures 615,surrounder 110 and base 610, base 610 of water rounds embodiment 1800further comprises at least one surrounding flange 1810 and apertures1820, as shown.

FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 25 show water rounds embodiment 1800. Waterrounds embodiment 1800 preferably comprises base 610 (water round systemapparatus 101 as shown in FIG. 1B), cage 605, and apertures 615, asshown. Cage 605 provides a frame ladder or scaffold for plants such astomato plants, preferably at least tomato plants. Alternatelypreferably, water rounds embodiment 1800 preferably comprises at leastone frame ladder (not necessarily a cage) circumferential with the waterround. FIG. 23 shows a three-legged cage. The aperture arrangement(described more particularly in FIG. 7) may also accept a four-leggedcage as shown in FIG. 9. Upon reading this specification, those withordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other cagearrangements such as, for example, more or less legs, other attachmentmeans, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, base 610 contains preferably seven of apertures 615 arrangedon the top portion of base 610, as shown. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., otheraperture arrangements such as, for example, other numbers of apertures,other aperture geometries, etc., may suffice. Under appropriatecircumstances, other numbers of apertures 615 may suffice. The aperturesare sized to accept the legs of cage 605, as shown. Apertures 615 arepreferably about one-quarter inch in diameter. Under appropriatecircumstances, other aperture diameters may suffice.

The legs of cage 605 preferably extend into surrounder 110 (see FIG.1A). In use, water rounds embodiment 1800 is preferably placed into theground surrounding a tomato plant or vegetable plant to support thegrowth of the plant. The configuration of base 610 assists in deliveringwater to the root system of the surrounded plant as discussed herein.Base 610 is preferably circular in construction with a preferreddiameter of about 16 inches. Under appropriate circumstances, otherdiameters (larger or smaller) of base may suffice.

Surrounding flange 1810 (at least embodying herein at least onesurrounding flange structured and arranged to surround outer perimeterof such at least one surrounder) preferably extends all the way aroundthe perimeter of outer edge 123, as shown. Surrounding flange 1810preferably comprises a width, extending radially outward from outer edge123, of about ⅜ inch (at least herein embodying wherein such at leastone surrounding flange comprises a radial width of about ⅜ inch).Apertures 1820 preferably penetrate outer face 1830 of wall 346, asshown. Apertures 1820 preferably are positioned about 1½ inch aboveouter edge 123.

Structure of surrounding flange 1810 and apertures 1820 preferablypermit legs 607 of cage 605 to extend through apertures 615 (at leastembodying herein at least one upper aperture) then through apertures1820 (at least embodying herein at least one lower aperture) and stopagainst surrounding flange 1810. In use, a user would apply pressure toouter face 1830 of base 610, insert leg 607 through aperture 615 andaperture 1820, then release applied pressure (this arrangement at leastherein embodying wherein such at least one upper aperture and such atleast one lower aperture align to permit insertion of the leg of the atleast one support). Leg 607 preferably then deflects, as shown in FIG.25, applying a two-point “pinch” on leg 607, preventing easy dislodgingof cage 605 from base 610 (this arrangement at least herein embodyingwherein such at least one support coupler comprises at least onedual-point leg engager structured and arranged to engage a leg of the atleast one support in at least two points; and at least herein embodyingwherein such support coupler means comprises dual-point leg engagermeans for engaging a leg of the at least one support in at least twopoints). In use, surrounding flange 1810 (at least embodying herein atleast one leg stop structured and arranged to stop each leg insertion insuch at least one support coupler at a common depth; and at leastembodying herein leg stop means for stopping insertion of each leg ofthe at least one support in such support coupler means at a commondepth) prevents legs 607 of cage 605 from being pressed into the soiland prevents tilting of cage 605 from varying penetration of legs 607.This arrangement at least herein embodies wherein such at least onesurrounder comprises at least one support coupler structured andarranged to couple with at least one support structured and arranged toassist supporting the at least one plantus; and this arrangement atleast herein embodies wherein such surrounder means comprises supportcoupler means for coupling such surrounder means with at least onesupport structured and arranged to assist supporting the at least oneplantus.

Additionally, as surrounding flange 1810 extends outward from outer edge123, surrounding flange 1810 preferably further provides stabilizationto base 610 when installed in sandy or muddy soil, having a broader edgeengaged with the soil (this arrangement at least herein embodies whereinsuch at least one surrounding flange comprises at least one stabilizerstructured and arranged to stabilize such at least one surrounder inunstable soil).

Further, an additional vertical extension on surrounding flange 1810preferably may be added, not shown. Such vertical extension preferablycreates a pocket on surrounding flange 1810 in which leg 607 of cage 605may engage, preferably preventing slipping beyond the edge ofsurrounding flange 1810.

Alternately, apertures 1820 preferably are positioned on the interiorwall. In this alternate embodiment, leg 607 of cage 605 passes throughaperture 615 and aperture 1820 and stop, engaged in anchor 111.

FIG. 26 shows a front perspective view of a water round of the waterrounds system 100 comprising a cage 605, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 shows an enlarged frontperspective view of a water round of the water rounds system 100utilized with a cage 605, according to a preferred embodiment of FIG.26.

While many of the features of water rounds embodiment 1801 are retainedfrom water rounds embodiment 1800, particularly cage 605, apertures 615,surrounder 110, base 610 and apertures 1820, on base 610 of water roundsembodiment 1801 at least one flange tab 1840 replaces surrounding flange1810, as shown.

FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 shows water rounds embodiment 1801. Water roundsembodiment 1801 preferably comprises base 610 (water round systemapparatus 101 as shown in FIG. 1B), cage 605, and apertures 615, asshown. Cage 605 provides a frame ladder or scaffold for plants such astomato plants, preferably at least tomato plants. Alternatelypreferably, water rounds embodiment 601 preferably comprises at leastone frame ladder (not necessarily a cage) circumferential with the waterround. FIG. 26 shows a three-legged cage. The aperture arrangement(described more particularly in FIG. 7) may also accept a four-leggedcage as shown in FIG. 9. Upon reading this specification, those withordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other cagearrangements such as, for example, more or less legs, other attachmentmeans, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, base 610 contains preferably seven of apertures 615 arrangedon the top portion of base 610, as shown. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., otheraperture arrangements such as, for example, other numbers of apertures,other aperture geometries, etc., may suffice. Under appropriatecircumstances, other numbers of apertures 615 may suffice. The aperturesare sized to accept legs 607 of cage 605, as shown. Apertures 615 arepreferably about one-quarter inch in diameter. Under appropriatecircumstances, other aperture diameters may suffice. Legs 607 of cage605 preferably extend into surrounder 110 (see FIG. 1A). In use, waterrounds embodiment 1801 is preferably placed into the ground surroundinga tomato plant or vegetable plant to support the growth of the plant.The configuration of base 610 assists in delivering water to the rootsystem of the surrounded plant as discussed herein. Base 610 ispreferably circular in construction with a preferred diameter of about16 inches. Under appropriate circumstances, other diameters (larger orsmaller) of base may suffice.

Flange tab 1840 preferably aligns with apertures 1820. Flange tab 1840preferably acts similar to surrounding flange 1810 with regard to leg607 of cage 605, preferably stopping extension of leg 607 beyond flangetab 1840 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one leg stopcomprises at least one flange tab structured and arranged to align withsuch at least one upper aperture and such at least one lower apertureand extend from outer perimeter of such at least one surrounder) intothe soil. As the primary difference between water rounds embodiment 1801and water rounds embodiment 1800 lies with the alteration of surroundingflange 1810 to flange tab 1840, section D-D and section C-C appearidentical in cross-section save for, appropriately, this samealteration. Therefore, FIG. 25 may serve, for general purposes asrepresentative of cross-sections of both C-C and D-D save only insubstituting reference number 1840 in place of reference number 1810, tounderstand section D-D.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of a water round embodiment 1802,illustrating at least one interior leg engager 1845, according to analternately preferred embodiment of the present invention. While many ofthe features of water rounds embodiment 1802 are retained from waterrounds embodiment 1800 and water rounds embodiment 1801, particularlycage 605, apertures 615, surrounder 110, and base 610, on base 610 ofwater rounds embodiment 1801 apertures 1825 replaces apertures 1820, asshown. Alternately, apertures 1825 preferably are positioned on interiorwall 1835. In this alternate embodiment, leg 607 of cage 605 passesthrough aperture 615 and aperture 1825 and stop, engaged in anchor 111.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage cover1850, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.30 shows a perspective view, illustrating cage cover 1850 on cage 605,according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 29. While many of thefeatures of water rounds embodiment 1803 are retained from water roundsembodiment 1800 and water rounds embodiment 1801, particularly cage 605,apertures 615, surrounder 110, and base 610, water rounds embodiment1803 preferably further comprises cage cover 1850, as shown.

Cage cover 1850 preferably encloses cage 605, as shown. Cage cover 1850preferably closes under outer edge 123. Cage cover 1850 preferablycomprises mesh, preferably fine mesh. In use, the mesh preferablyprevents harmful insects from reaching the plant. Cage cover 1850alternately preferably comprises shade-cloth. In use, the shade-clothpreferably reduces the direct sunlight reaching the plant. Cage cover1850 alternately preferably comprises plastic sheeting. In use, theplastic sheeting preferably creates a greenhouse effect around theplant. Cage cover 1850 alternately preferably comprises cloth sheeting.In use, the cloth sheeting preferably prevents frost damage to theplant. Ideally, multiple cage covers 1850 of varying materials maypreferably be swapped according to need.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one water-roundinsert 1860, according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 32 shows a perspective view, illustrating water-roundinsert 1860 in relation to a water round (i.e. base 610), according tothe preferred embodiment of FIG. 31. FIG. 33 shows a cut-away view,illustrating water-round insert 1860, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. While many of the features of waterrounds embodiment 1804 are retained from water rounds embodiment 1800and water rounds embodiment 1801, particularly surrounder 110, and base610, water rounds embodiment 1804 preferably further compriseswater-round insert 1860, as shown.

Water round insert 1860 preferably comprises at least one pressedfibrous mat. Water round insert 1860 preferably comprises at least onefertilizer, preferably at least one water soluble fertilizer. In use,water round insert 1860 preferably rests inside base 610 on soil 204.When water collects in base 610, the water preferably followsgravitational path 209 through water round insert 1860 into soil 204,taking a measure of the fertilizer from water round insert 1860 intosoil 204.

Water round insert 1860 preferably comprises at least one plant opening1862, preferably one plant opening 1862. Plant opening 1862 ispreferably centered in water round insert 1860. Plant opening 1862preferably permits a user-preferred plant (plant 300) to grow withoutimpediment through water round insert 1860. Water round insert 1860preferably acts as a weed barrier by further blocking weed growth aroundplant 300.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem 1806, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 35 shows an enlarged view, illustrating cage-leglock-down subsystem 1806, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.34. FIG. 36 shows a cross-sectional view of section E-E of FIG. 34. FIG.37 shows an enlarged view, illustrating cage-leg lock-down subsystem1806, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 shows anexploded view, illustrating cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1806, accordingto the preferred embodiment of FIG. 37. While many of the features ofwater rounds embodiment 1805 are retained from water rounds embodiment1800 and water rounds embodiment 1801, particularly cage 605, apertures615, surrounder 110, and base 610, water rounds embodiment 1805preferably further comprises cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1806, asshown.

Cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1806 preferably comprises at least onecage-leg lock-down 1880 and modification to base 610 to accommodatecage-leg lock-down 1880. Cage-leg lock-down 1880 preferably comprises atleast one lock-down block 1875. Lock-down block 1875 preferablycomprises a block of material, preferably metal, alternately preferablyplastic. Lock-down block 1875 preferably further comprises at least oneleg hole 1876 passing through top-to-bottom, preferably permitting leg607 to pass through lock-down block 1875. Lock-down block 1875preferably further comprises at least one lock-down bolt 1872 and atleast one bolt hole 1878 preferably matching lock-down bolt 1872.Modification to base 610 preferably comprises at least one lock-downrecess 1870, preferably positioned under aperture 615.

Lock-down block 1875 preferably inserts into lock-down recess 1870 inbase 610, as shown in FIG. 35. Leg 607 preferably inserts throughaperture 615 and through leg hole 1876. Lock-down bolt 1872 preferablytightens, preferably pinching leg 607 between a side of leg hole 1876and the end of lock-down bolt 1872, as shown in FIG. 37. In use,cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1806 preferably locks down leg 607 andthereby cage 605A, preferably preventing sinking of cage 605A furtherinto base 610 or removal of cage 605A from base 610.

FIG. 39 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem 1808, according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 40 shows an enlarged exploded view,illustrating the at least one cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1808,according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 39. FIG. 41 shows anenlarged view, illustrating the at least one cage-leg lock-downsubsystem 1808 from the outside of a water round, according to thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 39. FIG. 42 shows an enlarged view,illustrating the at least one cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1808 from theinside of a water round, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.39. FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of section F-F of FIG. 39.While many of the features of water rounds embodiment 1807 are retainedfrom water rounds embodiment 1800, water rounds embodiment 1801 andwater rounds embodiment 1805, particularly cage 605, apertures 615,surrounder 110, and base 610, water rounds embodiment 1807 preferablyfurther comprises cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1808, as shown.

Cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1808 preferably comprises at least onecage-leg lock-down 1890 comprising a modification to base 610 toaccommodate cage-leg lock-down 1890. Cage-leg lock-down 1890 preferablycomprises at least one lock-down molding 1888, at least one lock-downbolt 1885 and at least one lock-down nut 1886. Lock-down molding 1888preferably comprises at least one aperture 615. Lock-down molding 1888preferably further comprises at least one bolt hole 1884 preferablymatching at least one lock-down bolt 1885. Lock-down molding 1888preferably further comprises at least one nut recess 1882, preferablymatching lock-down nut 1886.

Lock-down nut 1886 preferably inserts into nut recess 1882 in base 610,as shown in FIG. 40. Leg 607 preferably inserts through aperture 615.Lock-down bolt 1885 preferably threads into lock-down nut 1886 andtightens, preferably pinching leg 607 between a side of aperture 615 andthe head of lock-down bolt 1885, as shown in FIG. 43. In use, cage-leglock-down subsystem 1808 preferably locks down leg 607 and thereby cage605A, preferably preventing sinking of cage 605A further into base 610or removal of cage 605A from base 610.

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem 1901, according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 45 shows an enlarged exploded view,illustrating the at least one cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1901,according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 44. FIG. 46 shows aperspective view, illustrating cage-leg engagement of the at least onecage-leg lock-down subsystem 1901, according to the preferred embodimentof FIG. 44. FIG. 47 shows a cross-sectional view of section G-G of FIG.44. While many of the features of water rounds embodiment 1809 areretained from water rounds embodiment 1800, water rounds embodiment 1801and water rounds embodiment 1805, particularly cage 605, apertures 615,surrounder 110, and base 610, water rounds embodiment 1809 preferablyfurther comprises cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1901, as shown.

Cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1901 preferably comprises at least onecage-leg lock-down 1900 and modification to base 610 to accommodatecage-leg lock-down 1900. Cage-leg lock-down 1900 preferably comprises atleast one lock-down block 1895. Lock-down block 1895 preferablycomprises a ribbon of material, preferably metal, alternately preferablyplastic, and preferably overlapping in a loop. Lock-down block 1895preferably further comprises at least one leg hole 1897 passing throughtop-to-bottom, preferably permitting leg 607 to pass through lock-downblock 1895. Lock-down block 1895 preferably further comprises at leastone lock-down bolt 1892 and at least one bolt hole 1898 preferablymatching lock-down bolt 1892. Modification to base 610 preferablycomprises at least one lock-down recess 1896, preferably positionedunder aperture 615. Lock-down block 1895 preferably further comprises atleast one snap-in protrusion 1894, preferably to snap-in lock-down blockinto lock-down recess 1896, preferably preventing accidental removal oflock-down block 1895.

Lock-down block 1895 preferably inserts into lock-down recess 1896 inbase 610, as shown in FIG. 45. Leg 607 preferably inserts throughaperture 615 and through leg hole 1897. Lock-down bolt 1872 preferablytightens, preferably pinching leg 607 between a side of leg hole 1897and the end of lock-down bolt 1892, as shown in FIG. 37. In use,cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1901 preferably locks down leg 607 andthereby cage 605A, preferably preventing sinking of cage 605A furtherinto base 610 or removal of cage 605A from base 610.

FIG. 48 shows a cut-away view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem 1903, according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. While many of the features of water roundsembodiment 1902 are retained from water rounds embodiment 1800, waterrounds embodiment 1801 and water rounds embodiment 1809, particularlycage 605, apertures 615, surrounder 110, and base 610, water roundsembodiment 1809 preferably further comprises cage-leg lock-downsubsystem 1903, as shown.

Cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1903 preferably comprises at least onecage-leg lock-down 1910 and modification to base 610 to accommodatecage-leg lock-down 1910. Cage-leg lock-down 1910 preferably comprises atleast one lock-down block 1915. Lock-down block 1915 preferablycomprises a ribbon of material, preferably metal, alternately preferablyplastic, and preferably in a square loop. Lock-down block 1915preferably further comprises at least one leg hole passing throughtop-to-bottom, preferably permitting leg 607 to pass through lock-downblock 1915, as shown. Lock-down block 1915 preferably further comprisesat least one lock-down bolt 1912 and at least one bolt hole preferablymatching lock-down bolt 1912. Modification to base 610 preferablycomprises at least one lock-down recess, preferably positioned as partof aperture 615.

Lock-down block 1915 preferably inserts downward into lock-down recessin base 610, as shown. Leg 607 preferably inserts through aperture 615and through leg hole. Lock-down bolt 1912 preferably tightens,preferably pinching leg 607 between a side of leg hole and the end oflock-down bolt 1912, as shown. In use, cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1903preferably locks down leg 607 and thereby cage 605A, preferablypreventing sinking of cage 605A further into base 610 or removal of cage605A from base 610.

FIG. 49 shows a cut-away view, illustrating at least one cage-leglock-down subsystem 1904, according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. While many of the features of water roundsembodiment 1905 are retained from water rounds embodiment 1800, waterrounds embodiment 1801 and water rounds embodiment 1807, particularlycage 605, apertures 615, surrounder 110, and base 610, water roundsembodiment 1807 preferably further comprises cage-leg lock-downsubsystem 1904, as shown.

Cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1904 preferably comprises at least onecage-leg lock-down 1920 comprising a modification to base 610 toaccommodate cage-leg lock-down 1920. Cage-leg lock-down 1920 preferablycomprises at least one lock-down molding 1928, at least one lock-downbolt 1922 and at least one lock-down nut 1926. Lock-down molding 1928preferably comprises at least one aperture 615. Lock-down molding 1928preferably further comprises at least one bolt hole preferably matchingat least one lock-down bolt 1922. Lock-down molding 1928 preferablyfurther comprises at least one nut recess 1930, preferably matchinglock-down nut 1926.

Lock-down nut 1926 preferably inserts into nut recess 1930 in base 610,as shown. Leg 607 preferably inserts through aperture 615. Lock-downbolt 1922 preferably threads into lock-down nut and tightens, preferablypinching leg 607 between a side of aperture 615 and the end of lock-downbolt 1922, as shown. In use, cage-leg lock-down subsystem 1904preferably locks down leg 607 and thereby cage 605A, preferablypreventing sinking of cage 605A further into base 610 or removal of cage605A from base 610.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments ofthis invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of thisinvention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, andmaterials. Additionally, it is understood that, where multiple featureshave been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, thebroadest scope of this invention includes combinations of features frommultiple embodiments, as also envisioned, where such features are notmutually exclusive due to conflicting structure or function. Such scopeis limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the abovespecification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's inventionwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptionsand the below claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, related to assisting at least one fluidfrom at least one fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in atleast one soil, comprising: a) at least one surrounder structured andarranged to radially surround the at least one plantus; b) wherein saidat least one surrounder comprises at least one container structured andarranged to contain the at least one fluid when said at least onesurrounder is embedded in the at least one soil; c) wherein said atleast one surrounder comprises at least one inner surface extending froma near edge, near the at least one soil, to a far edge, away from the atleast one soil; d) wherein said at least one surrounder comprises atleast one penetrator structured and arranged to penetrate the at leastone soil; e) wherein said at least one surrounder comprises at least onesupport coupler structured and arranged to couple with at least onesupport structured and arranged to assist supporting the at least oneplantus; f) wherein said at least one support coupler comprises at leastone lock-down immobilizer structured and arranged to render a leg of theat least one support immobile with respect to said at least onesurrounder; g) wherein said at least one penetrator comprises i) atleast one inner face situated on the innermost diameter of said at leastone surrounder, and ii) at least one anchor structured and arranged toanchor said at least one surrounder to the at least one soil, iii)wherein said at least one anchor is situated along said at least oneinner face; h) wherein said at least one anchor comprises at least oneflange situated along said at least one inner face; and i) wherein saidat least one flange comprises at least one sloped portion slopingupwardly and outwardly from said at least one inner face to create atleast one trough-shaped anchor with a v-shaped edge.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said at least one lock-down immobilizercomprises: a) at least one lock-down aperture; and b) at least one bolt;c) wherein said at least one lock-down aperture permits insertion of theleg of the at least one support; and d) wherein said at least one boltis structured and arranged to tighten onto the leg of the at least onesupport when the leg is inserted into said at least one lock-downaperture rendering the leg of the at least one support immobile withrespect to said at least one surrounder.
 3. The system according toclaim 2 further comprising the at least one support.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 3 wherein said at least one support comprises atleast one cage.
 5. The system according to claim 2 further comprising atleast one leg stop structured and arranged to stop each leg insertion insaid at least one support coupler at a common depth.
 6. The systemaccording to claim 5 wherein said at least one leg stop comprises atleast one surrounding flange structured and arranged to surround theouter perimeter of said at least one surrounder.
 7. The system accordingto claim 6 wherein said at least one surrounding flange comprises atleast one stabilizer structured and arranged to stabilize said at leastone surrounder in unstable soil.
 8. The system according to claim 7wherein said at least one surrounding flange comprises a radial width ofabout ⅜ inch.
 9. The system according to claim 5 wherein said at leastone leg stop comprises at least one flange tab structured and arrangedto align with at least one upper aperture and at least one loweraperture and extend from the outer perimeter of said at least onesurrounder.
 10. The system according to claim 1 further comprising atleast one stabilizer structured and arranged to stabilize said at leastone surrounder in unstable soil.
 11. The system according to claim 10wherein said at least one stabilizer comprises at least one surroundingflange structured and arranged to surround the outer perimeter of saidat least one surrounder.
 12. The system according to claim 11 whereinsaid at least one surrounding flange comprises a radial width of about ⅜inch.
 13. The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least onesurrounder comprises at least one fluid transmitter structured andarranged to transmit at least one fluid from the at least one fluidsource to said at least one surrounder.
 14. The system according toclaim 1 wherein said at least one penetrator comprises at least onetooth.
 15. The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least onesurrounder comprises at least one nested-stacking geometry structuredand arranged to permit nested stacking of a plurality of said at leastone surrounders.
 16. A system, related to assisting at least one fluidfrom at least one fluid source to at least one plantus embedded in atleast one soil, comprising: a) at least one surrounder structured andarranged to radially surround the at least one plantus; b) wherein saidat least one surrounder comprises at least one container structured andarranged to contain the at least one fluid when said at least onesurrounder is embedded in the at least one soil; c) wherein said atleast one surrounder comprises at least one inner surface extending froma near edge, near the at least one soil, to a far edge, away from the atleast one soil; d) wherein said at least one surrounder comprises atleast one penetrator structured and arranged to penetrate the at leastone soil; e) wherein said at least one surrounder comprises at least onesupport coupler structured and arranged to couple with at least onesupport structured and arranged to assist supporting the at least oneplantus; f) wherein said at least one support coupler comprises at leastone lock-down immobilizer structured and arranged to render a leg of theat least one support immobile with respect to said at least onesurrounder; g) wherein said at least one penetrator comprises i) atleast one inner face situated on the innermost diameter of said at leastone surrounder, and ii) at least one anchor structured and arranged toanchor said at least one surrounder to the at least one soil, iii)wherein said at least one anchor is situated along said at least oneinner face; and h) wherein said at least one surrounder comprises atleast one nested-stacking geometry structured and arranged to permitnested stacking of a plurality of said at least one surrounders.